Effect of heating and NaCl solution quenching into the microstructure and mechanical properties of SS 304

The stainless steel (SS) of grade 304 is known for its outstanding corrosion resistance at the room temperature due to carrying 10.5% of Cr content. However, the high temperature treatment can deplete the Cr content in the steel and makes it susceptible to corrosion. The present work attempts an experimental analysis to check the corrosion resistance of the SS304 after heating and quenching in NaCl solution. Three different concentrations such as 12.5%, 25%, and 37.5% NaCl solution were taken under consideration for quenching purpose. The effect of quenching was analysed on the basis of microstructural changes, possible corrosive degradation, strength, hardness, and toughness. The properties of the quenched samples have been compared with the same of ‘as received’ sample.